. >> when it comes to the fiscal cliff that's threatening our economy and threatening jobs, the white house has wasted another week. >> reporter: this morning in his weekly address, president obama is holding a hard line on raising rates for the wealthy. >> and if we're serious about protecting middle class families, then we're also go to have to ask the wealthiest americans to pay higher tax rates. that's one principle i won't compromise on. >> reporter: but how much higher could be the key to compromise. the top tax rate is set to rise from 35 to 39.6% on january 1st. when asked if a middle ground could be found, both boehner and bide enshowed wiggle room. >> the top brackets have to go up. this is not a negotiatiable issue. theoretically we could negotiate how far up. >> at a local restaurant, the owner has seen enough of washington gridlock. >> i wish those lawmakers would get their acts together and get it done and try to help everybody. it would be good if they could do it before the holidays are over. >> reporter: she said it, alex. now john boehner after that comment yesterday